Maybach in the Night

The night had deepened.

Wang Changming, after a day of social obligations, made his way to his Maybach parked in the underground garage.

A driver with white gloves had been waiting, promptly bending down to open the door for him.

Settling into the familiar back seat, Wang Changming stretched his neck and took a sparkling water from the built-in refrigerator to sober up slightly.

"Phew..."

Rolling down the window and looking at the night scenery outside, Wang Changming adjusted the seat angle and comfortably reclined.

The Maybach moved smoothly, with no sense of bumpiness, heading for Wang Changming's mansion located in the outskirts of Qingxia City.

He had personally hired this driver—clean background, excellent skills.

Although he had a higher salary than other drivers, paying 80,000 a month was just pocket change for Wang Changming.

As long as he found it useful, he didn't mind spending a bit more.

—Usefulness was key.

For those he deemed useless, Wang Changming never hesitated to show his harshest side.

It was his creed.

Holding steadfastly to the principle of "efficiency above all", his company "Shengyi" had, under his leadership, faced numerous challenges to become one of the top game companies in the country within two decades, placing him among the top ten wealthiest individuals nationwide.

Of course, Wang Changming was well aware that these "wealth rankings" weren't entirely accurate. Compared to some "hidden dragons," his total assets were just a small number. Yet, this didn't stop the subtle pride swelling in his heart.

"All of this... was built by my own efforts..."

The cold sparkling water flowed smoothly down his throat, making Wang Changming exhale:

"Heh..."

The cool sensation brought a momentary relief to his mood.

Still, recalling the dinner he just attended, Wang Changming couldn't help but frown.

The guest of the evening was the head of a PR media company.

Though newly established, it wielded significant influence.

Recently, Wang Changming had delegated part of his PR and GR (Government Relations) tasks to this company, granting them a massive project worth hundreds of millions, even when Shengyi's own PR and GR departments were quite mature. It hinted at the significant background the head of this company possessed.

However, during tonight's dinner, the man seemed respectful, but Wang Changming detected hints of greed in his words.

"Director Wang, 'Shengyi' has recently encountered some negative publicity. An employee, diagnosed with an illness, was dismissed and has made some negative comments online. But as soon as we noticed, we immediately suppressed it...

"... Additionally, there were two accidental deaths involving your company's employees. However, after our intervention, the relationship with 'Shengyi' was not publicized for one of the incidents..."

Such matters were handled with hearty laughter and loud appreciation during Wang Changming's dinner. He even offered to increase the project's budget by several tens of millions, which made the man's respectful smile even more sincere. They raised their glasses and exchanged toasts, creating a harmonious atmosphere at the dining table. However, now that he was alone in the car with no one else around, Wang Changming's expression turned cold.

"What a ridiculous media PR company. If it weren't for your influential grandfather and father, would you even have the qualifications to dine at the same table as me in ten years?"

Thinking back to the respectful yet arrogant expressions of the PR company head, Wang Changming couldn't help but snort inwardly.

For someone like Wang Changming, who had risen from nothing during the early days of the nation's internet wilderness and had propelled himself to his current status with the flow of time and by influencing the times, people who relied on their family backgrounds and could sit at the same table with him at such a young age were the ones he detested the most.

What irritated him even more was that, due to pressure and reality, he sometimes had to bow to these people, sharing his profits with them to obtain "special favors" or avoid being targeted for not receiving such "special favors."

"What PR and public opinion? When an employee who was fired talks, it's like farting. Who would believe it? Even without you, I spend a considerable amount every year on KOLs and media platforms. As for the incidents of employees dying accidentally—haven't I already stated that they were 'accidental deaths'? Does the government need to disregard taxes and employment and harm our company over such news? It's just a greedy act..."

Having experienced the ups and downs of the business world for many years, Wang Changming understood the intricacies of these matters.

Just the thought of creating an excuse for the other party to ask for money because of a few minor characters in his company filled him with intense anger.

"It seems that the treatment for employees in recent years has been a bit too good. People are fickle creatures. They work diligently when they're hungry, but once they're full, they start thinking too much... It's not been a prosperous time lately. The news from 'Feixun' indicates their intention to consolidate the industry. In a few days, I should talk to them. If we both make a strong move, game companies across the country will follow suit. It should create a significant 'industry winter.' By then, we can reduce costs and increase efficiency. Not only will company profits rise, but those thinking of switching jobs won't dare to act recklessly...

"... We still need to experience the chill of winter. Only then will the sheep stay obedient in their pens."

With his future plans settled, Wang Changming felt his heart expand, and his breathing became smoother.

He leaned back comfortably in his seat, and through the front windshield, he could see the Maybach's headlights illuminating the road ahead. In the distance at the end of the road was the mansion villa he had purchased ten years ago.

Just a few hundred meters away, he could see its silhouette standing in the darkness. With an area of over ten acres, it had everything from an artificial lake, rock garden, and a small garden. The main house was a three-story building occupying 3,000 square meters, constructed by a top designer he had hired. Every piece of wood and brick here carried his memories, making it his best place to relax...

Hmm, wait a minute, something seems off.

Yes, the darkness—why aren't the lights in the mansion on!

Wang Changming suddenly widened his eyes, feeling as though his blood vessels had frozen.

He remembered very clearly that he had purchased security services from the country's top security company, consisting of more than fifty personnel. Every night when he returned to the mansion, he could see the lights here... So why was everything pitch black now?!!!

Could it be...?

"Boss, something seems off..."

The driver, who had been with Wang Changming for many years, also noticed the anomaly. Hesitatingly, he turned his head and spoke the first words since Wang Changming had boarded the car tonight.

Wang Changming nodded gravely.

"Turn around immediately and head back the way we came. I'll contact the security company and ask what's going on—"

Before he could finish his sentence.

A soft noise came from the roof of the car.

"Shhh."

Then.

Just as Wang Changming looked up.

From the source of the sound, he witnessed the most shocking scene of his life.

The Maybach S680 Guard 4Matic, which could resist AK47 bullet fire and remain unscathed even from a close-range explosion of several kilograms of TNT.

Its roof.

Suddenly had a crack.

Then ten fingers probed through that crack.

Next, two hands exerted force on either side.

The next second, in the stunned eyes of Wang Changming and the driver.

—the entire roof was brutally torn off by those two hands!

The pitch-black night sky was now fully exposed to the two occupants of the Maybach.

—And beneath the night sky was an abyss-like figure.